The Phoenix Suns (31-36) are heading toward a major shakeup this summer, and according to reports, Kevin Durant is expected to be on the move—but not Devin Booker. The Suns have been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2024-25 season, struggling to mesh their star trio of Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal.
With a losing record, chemistry issues, and a lack of depth, Phoenix will be forced to make a move, and trading Durant may be their best path toward restructuring the roster.
On the other side of this trade equation, the Minnesota Timberwolves (39-29) are in championship-or-bust mode after trading Karl-Anthony Towns earlier this year. Anthony Edwards has emerged as a bona fide superstar, but Minnesota could use another elite scoring option to take pressure off their young leader. What better addition for Edwards than his childhood idol, Kevin Durant?
The Timberwolves seem content with Rudy Gobert, but with Naz Reid due for a major extension, they might move the latter before free agency hits.
Proposed Trade Details
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Naz Reid (Sign-and-Trade), Donte DiVincenzo, Rob Dillingham, 2026 Second-Round Pick (IND/MIA/SAS), 2029 Second-Round Pick (MIN)
If this deal goes through, the Timberwolves would be all-in on a championship chase, while the Suns would add much-needed depth and young talent for the future. The question remains—is this too much or too little for KD? Let’s break down what this deal means for both sides.
Timberwolves Combine a Legend With a Prodigy
The Minnesota Timberwolves have built something special around Anthony Edwards, but they still lack the final piece to enter the championship conversation truly. By acquiring Kevin Durant, Minnesota would pair a proven champion and one of the greatest scorers in NBA history with the league’s next superstar guard.
Durant, averaging 26.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, remains an elite offensive weapon, capable of thriving alongside Edwards in a dynamic one-two punch. With Karl-Anthony Towns gone before the season, the Wolves need a second go-to scorer who can also space the floor, and Durant fits the bill perfectly.
One of Minnesota’s biggest strengths this season has been its defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and a physical, switchable lineup. Adding Durant would elevate the offense but also improve their length and size on the defensive end.
While KD is no longer an elite lockdown defender compared to his days with the Golden State Warriors, his length, IQ, and ability to guard multiple positions would still help this already stingy Timberwolves defense. Playing alongside Gobert would allow him to conserve energy while focusing more on what he does best—delivering buckets in high-pressure moments.
Losing Naz Reid and Rob Dillingham stings, but Minnesota is in win-now mode, and championship windows don’t stay open forever. Durant may only have two or three elite years left, but pairing him with a rapidly ascending superstar like Edwards could push the Wolves over the top in a crowded Western Conference.
With teams like Oklahoma City, Denver, and even the Rockets looking strong, Minnesota needs to make an aggressive move to separate itself. This might be their best shot.
Suns Re-Tool Around Devin Booker Without Tanking
The Phoenix Suns have struggled mightily this season, with their lack of depth and poor roster balance preventing them from reaching contender status. While trading Durant is not ideal in a perfect world, Phoenix needs to reset around Devin Booker without committing to a full-scale rebuild.
This trade allows them to remain competitive while getting younger, deeper, and more flexible. Instead of relying on three aging stars, the Suns would add Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Rob Dillingham, each of whom fits a specific need.
Reid has been one of the NBA’s most improved bigs, averaging 14.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and shooting 39.1% from three. His ability to stretch the floor makes him an ideal fit in a modern system alongside Booker and the Suns need more talent from frontcourt bigs.
DiVincenzo brings playoff experience, perimeter defense, and a reliable outside shot (39.4% from deep), giving the Suns a much-needed two-way wing. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Dillingham is a high-upside rookie who could develop into a long-term backcourt partner for Booker, something Phoenix has lacked for years.
Unlike other potential Durant trades, this deal doesn’t force Phoenix into tank mode. They remain competitive, add players who can contribute immediately, and keep Booker at the center of their future. With additional second-round picks, the Suns also gain assets they could flip in other trades. While Durant’s departure would signal the end of an era, this move ensures Phoenix doesn’t completely collapse the way Brooklyn did after losing him in 2023.
A Blockbuster Trade That Would Be Very Interesting in 2025-26
This trade would reshape the landscape of both the Western Conference and the NBA as a whole. For Minnesota, it’s an all-in move that signals they are serious about winning a championship.
Edwards has already made the leap into superstardom, and adding a proven Hall of Famer in Durant would make them one of the scariest teams in the league. Imagine a lineup of Edwards, Durant, Gobert, McDaniels, and Randle—a near-perfect mix of scoring, defense, and experience.
For Phoenix, this deal is about the future as much as it is about the present. Moving on from Durant allows them to build around Booker while maintaining competitive pieces. They avoid bottoming out while still getting younger and more athletic.
If Dillingham develops into a quality guard, this trade could look even better in the long run. And with Booker still playing at an elite level, Phoenix could pivot toward a more balanced team approach rather than relying on aging superstars.
Ultimately, both teams would walk away satisfied—Minnesota finally lands a second superstar to chase a title, while Phoenix avoids disaster by adding key pieces without tanking. It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario, but for the Wolves and Suns, it could be exactly what they need to take the next step. The 2025-26 season would look very different with this trade in place.
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